For all those who come to this happy place, Welcome!

 My friend Jenna from Jameson Photos is an amazing photographer. We've made it a tradition to skip traditional school pictures and just take them with her.  Some how she can capture them at their best, even when having a rough time. Abbey was screaming only 2 minutes before this picture. I love that I get 3 poses and all of them are amazing... oh, how much better would have my grade school photos looked through a professional lense.  Look at my handsome son! He is so photogenic. yes. I will admit Jason and I make good looking babies.   I think James might be the only one more excited about our baby then I am. Sunday he spent time giving my stomach raspberries and talking to the new baby. I know she will love this boy.   This girl just gets prettier and smarter everyday.  I know she will be my biggest asset when the new baby comes. Abbey already thinks she is the coolest thing ever - I know Elinor Kathryn will adore her big sissa as well. ...

This assembly I went to the other morning at my kids school recognized perfect attendance for the 1st quarter. James is standing up next to Mr. Curry his teacher. Paige also had obtained perfection.   At first I was super proud - then I realized it's only because we haven't been on any really cool trips this year (dang). These are the 3rd grade Try Awards. Here the teachers in 3rd grade recognize the students who have made improvements in English, Math, Reading, Writing, or Citizenship (behavior).  Paige has improved in Math be leaps this year. She might even make it into the elusive "Math Facts" club. A really cool elite club at Whittier. They have to do a certain number of problems in 3 minutes with 97% accuracy.  This is Paige, her bff Kaylee, Riley getting an award, and Mr. Husbands (Paige's teacher). He's really different from her teacher last year and has high expectations for his students, but he's been a great teacher for her academically. It...

Sunday morning is the only time all week I feel we all look our best and are clean and pretty, at least for a minute or two (don't forget Abbey is an avid connoisseur of dirt and dog food). I wouldn't say Sunday mornings are peaceful (I blame that on myself, turn off the blankin' TV and lets have some peace and quiet for CRYIN' OUT LOUD!!) But I love matchy match dresses - as does Paige. ... but they do clean up good and look angelic at least for a little while.

Abbey needed a family picture for Monday's joy school. I made a collage with just a couple pictures then I decided Jason needed a new screen saver so I put a bunch of pictures together. We definitely love all our family.

James has been taking Karate every day after school in the gym.   He absolutely loves it. I guess the first day he kept telling the instructor he had seen Karate Kid (1980's version) and that he already knew a lot from watching TV. He is such a goofball to watch. Here they are running relays. They have to run to the other side of the gym and do 5 or 10 pushups and run back.  He loves karate because it is something fun he gets to do with his buddy Seth.  He's actually not too bad when he pays attention.  His pushups make me laugh. He moves his bum up and down more then his elbows.  They learn a lot of self-defense tactics and he can take down bigger kids.  I thought the some of the things they learned were pretty cool. He can't stand still in line though waiting for his turn. Here Seth is pretending to be a bully while the other boy does and arm sweep.  The other boys are just watching the show.  This class only lasted 6 weeks, but a...

Some of my friends recently created a "Joy School" for our 2 year olds. Abbey loves it. She has fun playing with her friends. We meet twice a week for 2 hours (I love that - running errands w/out kids is heaven!) We each take turns hosting and we rotate, letters, numbers, colors, and shapes - but at this age it's mostly learning to play nice and spending time away from mom.  I hosted the week of Abbey's bday so that meant cuppycakes. They were a huge hit (sugar generally is with kids)  They also loved snack time and played really well together. We only have 5 in this group which is very manageable.  Abbey & Maddie are the only girls, but they get a long great. Both are determined, a little head strong, but they make each other laugh and both love to sing.  Jessie hosted this week. I love seeing what the other mom's come up with. Jessie made doggy eared hats with them. She said the kids walked around and laughed at each others hats. I love it!  Jes...